WOS: IN CONVERSATION WITH KRYSTAL BICK

Krystal Bick is the creator and mastermind behind the blog This Time Tomorrow, which is a fashion, travel and lifestyle website, one that “encourages you to see and appreciate the beauty in your every day, no matter what it may look like”.  Krystal is also a New York City based photographer and storyteller, she describes herself as an “unabashed cinephile”.

Her style resonates classic vintage gold with a healthy dose of feminine siren energy that has the power to transfix a spectator, while her content- ‘a sight for sore eyes’ nourishes the soul. Her craft caught our attention and we are intrigued by the way in which she romanticises the fine details of her world. 

We are pleased to be in conversation with Krystal Bick as our Woman of Substance for this month.

Your style is captivating and enthralling, what form of inspiration led you on this path?

That is high praise coming from a woman whose style I admire greatly! Thank you, Onyi! I suppose I’ve always been fascinated by storytelling — through literature, film, art and even the way people around me carry themselves. I think there’s poetry in it all and I take a lot of style notes everywhere I turn. From characters I admire in beloved books, to leading heroines in films I’ve rewatched countless times to the women I see out and about in New York. 

You’re a great storyteller who uses both words and imagery to relay succinct messages. How did you find yourself blending both words and powerful images to create an interesting storyline?

Ever since I was young, I’d find myself coming up with narratives about people I’d meet. I’d find myself wondering, “What makes them tick? What are they passionate about? What makes them sad? What’s their biggest regret?” And while I may never know the real answers to those questions, I loved creating the storyline, like dreaming up characters in a play only I knew was unfolding. I suppose not much has changed today. When I craft an image idea in my mind, I like to think of myself as a character, with specific motivations, ideals, dreams and hopes — it’s equal parts Krystal, the New Yorker who loves dressing up, but it’s also role play in a way. A chance to dream about an alternate reality. A game of “what if…?” And, in some indirect way, I hope to encourage my audience to dream the same for themselves. 

Onyi once said in her stories that if she had the chance to raid a few closets, yours would be one of them, and I can see why. Your style resonates with timeless romance as Onyi would put it, how have you been able to curate such an elegant wardrobe? 

Time. Patience. Trial and error. And lots of self reflection. I think there’s a lot of pressure in this industry at times to keep up with fleeting trends, season over season, sometimes month over month. But I think I’ve hit a point with my style where I’ve been able to hone in on exactly what makes me feel like me, even if that means I forgo a lot of current trends. It wasn’t something I could rush either. I’ve made a lot of blunders along the way (most of which I can cringe and laugh about) — the point is, once I defined what those parameters were, I could make much more intentional decisions about the investments I make for my wardrobe. And that feels really empowering! 

And for the record, whenever Onyi wants to raid my closet, it’s all hers! (As long as I can raid hers at the same time!)

As one who indulges in whimsical, romantic vintage and classic pieces, what fashion ensemble would you say makes your heart sing? 

Oh! I’d have to say anything and everything Givenchy designed for Audrey Hepburn in all her movies (the Funny Face wardrobe being my favorite) and/or anything Edith Head arranged for Grace Kelly, specifically for Rear Window and To Catch a Thief! 

You take the most beautiful self-portraits, how and when did you start photographing yourself?

I can’t stop blushing from this interview! Thank you so much! Oddly enough, when I first started my blog, This Time Tomorrow back in 2009 (pre-Instagram, pre-TikTok), I took all my own photos with a tripod and a starter Canon Rebel. I was too embarrassed to shoot in crowded areas where people might see me so I hunted down quiet pockets of neighborhoods and parks where no one would see me awkwardly take my self portraits. Fast forward to today where most of my shoots are done with my lovely photographer and collaborator, Allie Provost, but, just like everyone else, for most of 2020, I had to return to my self portrait roots — one of the few silver linings of the pandemic. It forced me to stretch creative muscles I hadn’t used in a while and I’m really grateful for that.  

Your Instagram stories are very insightful, as you carry your audience along and sometimes get them involved by sharing their ‘Vaccination Stories’ and Cute exchanges they shared with you which is relatable and authentic. How do you come up with your story ideas?

Oh, I adore those compilation stories as well! I think what I often find tiresome in this industry is that I’m  always addressing my audience, when really, I want the conversation to feel like a two-way street. Like they can talk to me AND the rest of my audience. When I shared my initial vaccination story, I was flooded with such heartwarming and heartbreaking stories from my readers about their own experiences that it felt selfish not to share them more publicly (anonymously, of course). And similarly, I like the prompt ideas to also come from my audience. Mainly it sparks from a DM someone sends me about something else I posted that day, which gets my mind wondering, “Perhaps other people can relate to this?” 

What would your dream brand collaboration be?

I’m not sure if this counts entirely, but I would love to work alongside a costume designer for a movie, specifically a period drama of sorts. So Onyi, whenever you’re ready to make your directorial debut, let me know! 

What book are you reading now? Is there a book that has had an impact on your outlook on life?

I’m actually currently rereading Joan Didion’s The White Album, which coincidentally, she’s an author who has very much had a big impact on my life and appreciation of honest storytelling. Her book Year of Magical Thinking is one that has stayed with me long after putting it down. A beautiful account of love, loss and incomparable grief. 

What are your top 5 recommendations for activities to do in NYC?

Just five? OK, here’s my perfect day in the city:

1. Start your day watching the sunrise somewhere magical. My vote would either be the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building or the Brooklyn Bridge.

2. Grab a bagel and walk around Central Park starting at Strawberry Fields over to Bethesda Terrace and head north up to the Belvedere Castle and eventually the Jackie O Reservoir. Since you’ll have already started your day pretty early, you’ll be in the park well before 9am, which is the most magical time frame when all dogs are allowed off leash. Trust me, you won’t be able to stop smiling at all of them. They’re the happiest New Yorkers. Make sure to read the park bench dedications along the way and find one that calls to you. Sit there and listen to the city wake up.

3. Walk east and pick a museum to visit — you can’t go wrong with either the Guggenheim or The Met. 

4. Rent a scooter and cruise down 5th Avenue until you hit Washington Square Park. Listen to a band play. Take a nap on the lawn before grabbing a late lunch at Dante in the West Village.

5. For dinner, pop in at Sevilla (a West Village institution, known for their sangria and paella) and catch a late night jazz performance at either Smalls or Village Vanguard. For those who like to stay up really late, you could also catch a midnight comedy show at Comedy Cellar. 

Do you have any exciting projects in the pipeline?

I’ve been stretching my styling muscles more lately so I’m excited to spend time on the other side of the camera, helping craft wardrobes and art direct models. 

Thank you for taking out time to read “WOS: In Conversation with Krystal Bick”. You can find Krystal over on her blog This Time Tomorrow and follow on Instagram @krystal_bick for more intriguing content.